By Ghana’s agricultural sector is poised for a major transformation under President John Mahama’s leadership. Mustapha Gbande highlighted this in a recent statement on TV3 Ghana’s #3NewsGH. Gbande is a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He praised Mahama for laying a “solid foundation” to boost agriculture.
This sector is critical to the nation’s economic growth and food security. This initiative follows the NDC’s electoral success in December 2024. It signals a renewed focus on revitalizing Ghana’s economy through agriculture.
Mahama’s vision has been a cornerstone of his administration since taking office. It emphasizes empowering local communities. It also focuses on modernizing farming practices. The recently launched ‘Feed Ghana Programme’ began on April 13, 2025. It aims to address long-standing challenges in cash crops, food crops, and livestock farming. Mahama’s administration is leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
This aims to make Ghana a key agricultural player in regional markets. The administration is addressing issues like pricing volatility. It also tackles exchange rate fluctuations that have hindered farmers for years. Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor is an NDC strategist. He previously highlighted agriculture’s role in providing food, clothing, and shelter. He framed it as a linchpin for economic stability during a 2024 MyJoyOnline interview.
The significance of agriculture in Ghana cannot be overstated. According to Feed the Future, a U.S. government initiative, the sector is the largest source of employment in the country. It has been a driving force behind poverty reduction. However, challenges persist, particularly in Northern Ghana, where smallholder farmers dominate and malnutrition rates remain high.
Mahama’s policies aim to bridge these gaps by introducing modern farming techniques. They provide access to certified seeds and fertilizers. The policies also facilitate workshops to equip farmers with sustainable practices. These efforts align with a 2015 Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) study. The study highlighted the need for targeted agricultural policies. Such policies are essential to reduce regional inequalities and drive economic growth.
International partners like Feed the Future are also supporting Ghana’s agricultural ambitions. These initiatives unlock loans for smallholder farmers and businesses like Blue Skies, the pineapple exporter. As a result, they are diversifying Ghana’s export base. They are also creating employment opportunities. This matches Mahama’s goal of transforming the agricultural landscape. His aim is to turn it into a sustainable economic driver. This goal is outlined in a December 2024 ModernGhana article.
While the road ahead is challenging, Mahama’s focus on agriculture offers a promising pathway for Ghana. His administration fosters a sense of ownership among local communities. They address systemic issues. This approach not only improves farming practices but also lays the groundwork for a more resilient economy. As Ghana navigates post-COVID recovery, there are significant global economic pressures. Mahama’s agricultural initiatives could be the key to unlocking sustainable development. They aim to ensure food security for generations to come.
